PS4 Exclusive Driveclub Launching In October

Driveclub, one of the very first games announced for the PS4, finally has a release date. Sony revealed today that the PS4 exclusive driving game will be out this October.

Driveclub was originally supposed to be a launch title for the PS4. PlayStation Plus owners would've been able to download it on day one for no additional charge. However, Sony pushed the game's release to early 2014 to give the development team at Evolution Studios some extra polish time. They then delayed the game to the fall.

"We planned for the game to be ready for early 2014 and are committed to delivering on our ambitious promise of creating a truly innovative, socially connected racing game," said SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida on the PlayStation Blog. "The problem with being ambitious is you have to be prepared to accept there will be challenges along the way. What DRIVECLUB offers has not been previously achieved in this category and because of this, the team needed more time to give you the game you’re waiting for."

A new trailer for Driveclub revealed that the game will debut in North America on October 7th. The European and UK launches will follow on the 8th and 10th, respectively.

With Driveclub's launch date now in sight, Sony and Evolution plan to be more forthcoming about the PS4 exclusive. Game director Paul Rustchynsky, who took over the game's development in February, will provide some fresh information on the project on Wednesday.

"His experience when it comes to delivering racing games is impeccable," Yoshida said of Rustchynsky. "Previously Game Director on critically acclaimed MotorStorm RC, he has been an integral contributor to all major titles coming out of Evolution Studios since 2004. With Rushy in the lead, we know DRIVECLUB will deliver on its initial promise to be a truly next gen racing title for our PS4 portfolio."

"We are really proud of the incredible work the team has produced — their tenacity and passionate pursuit of excellence is admirable, and DRIVECLUB will be all the better for it."

The fall release window for Driveclub makes me suspect that Gran Turismo 7won't be out this year after all. It doesn't make much sense for Sony to release two PS4 exclusive racing games on top of each other, especially when they're the publisher for both and have complete control over the timing of their launch. GT7 would overshadow Driveclub if they hit stores within the same holiday season.